Tag Archives: Debbie Barth

David Hogg was just on T.V., again … and, I believe … the more he speaks … the more … he will turn people off. (My opinion … based on how I felt when I first heard him, just after the school shootings … and, how I feel about him after the third time I have heard him speak.) While being an eloquent speaker … he is still a child (teenagers are just older children) and, his inability to think logically is coming out.

He just said that he felt the breakdown in communication within the FBI was President Trump’s fault. That was a monumental blunder on his part … and, I think his father being a FBI agent … blinds his logic.

Of course, this …or any other President … would have no way of personally monitoring every single phone call taken and acted upon … or not) by the FBI. The ineptness on the part of some FBI agents is not going to come to light, until we have, unfortunately, a situation like this tragic event. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies are the only ones who were given prior knowledge and should have acted before the shooting occurred.

This is a school kid (from what I see and can find out.) He is slanted in his view by his father’s occupation (in my opinion) … he is very well spoken … (I have a feeling he may have a few political aspirations of his own) … he seems to be “full of himself” … and, I dislike him the more he speaks. However, I do believe this is his real self … and he is no “crisis speaker or actor,” moving from one project to another and being paid … blah … blah.

What we may have here … is a young, white version of a Jesse Jackson … who in the future … will take advantage of every future tragedy … simply for visibility … and, to further his own … future/career.

That is my opinion of David Hogg.

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It’s so much easier for people to blame an inanimate object than to admit that as parents, and as a society, we are letting our kids down. From birth, children are indoctrinated with violence in the music they hear, the movies they watch and the online games they play.

Parents no longer strive to keep the family unite in tack. Women are having babies with different men. The men walk away from their responsibilities after making these children, proudly boasting about the number of women they have impregnated.

God and faith are no longer in daily conversations, as with patriotism, or respect for authority.

Children are having more conversations, online, in social media … than they are with their own parents or guardians. Grandparents are taking care of their kid’s children, because of drug issues or lack of responsibility … leaving many children feeling abandoned and vulnerable in life and no sense of security.

But changing all that would mean people would actually have to take action. They would have to be less self-indulgent and more involved with their children. It would mean woman and men would have to take responsibility for the children they bring in this world and make, at the very least … a “family” environment for those children. It would mean turning off the violent movies they are watching … with the young children sitting close by … and absorbing the violence being played out … and watching something more “family” suitable. It would mean getting up on Sunday and taking the children to a faith-based institution and introducing God into their life.

No … it’s really much easier to put all the mass shootings, the sickness metastasize in America on a cold, inanimate object.

I so do love parades … and, apparently … so does President Trump. He also loves our military. With that in mind … President Trump has asked the Department of Defense to explore a celebration at which all Americans can show their appreciation.” He wants a full-scale military parade.

I would think people would welcome a parade honoring our military. Some do … but … many (especially on the left) are not, at all … happy … about the parade.

The left … and, some on the right … are questioning the expense of the parade. It would go into the millions. Some suggest that it would be better to take the money it would take to initiate a parade … and write bonus checks to all veterans and military individuals, instead.

And, of course there are those that seem to feel that such a parade and display of our pride in our military would be … embarrassing.

They are worried that the rest of the world will see us as another North Korea or Russia using a military parade as more of a threat to the rest of the world. They say this is a flagrant display of braggadocio and is really more about our President than our military.

While I understand concerns about the amount of money it would take to pull this together, and there is probably a legitimate concern about damage to roads because of tanks and aircraft … this last part leaves me shaking my head. Never … in my lifetime … did I ever think I’d see a day when people would object to … and, feel embarrassed about … celebrating our military with a huge parade.

I also don’t understand why … we have to have an “event” before having this parade. People are asking why a parade … we haven’t just won a war or anything.

Does there have to be a reason … a defining moment for a military parade? Isn’t simply taking time to recognize the events that shaped America … and, our military branches, reason enough?

At this point in time … we don’t know if we are going to have this grand parade. For now, it’s talk … and, an assumption that if President Trump wants to honor our military in grand fashion, he will.

So, I’m going to pretend that it’s going to happen. And … I have it all played out in my mind.

I don’t think we need a new “event.” I think Flag Day (day of the first Flag Resolution, June 14th 1777.), or the 4th of July (the celebration of our 1776 Independence from England) would be appropriate.

The parade I would like to see … should there be one … would start with the Revolutionary War … uniforms and flag design … and … follow through every war/conflict, through today. Each segment would wear the period uniform and carry the flag, as designed at that period. The music presented, within each segment, would represent the music of the time of a particular war or conflict. (heavy artillery and weapon, i.e., tanks and aircraft, optional.)

The parade should end at the Arlington Cemetery … with a 21-gun salute, to honor all the fallen. The President would speak … and … there would be a fireworks display.

To defray the costs … Giant Corporations should “pay it forward” by donating funds for one of the many “period” segments.

Designers should come forward and donate their time recreating the uniforms of the period and Manufacturers should volunteer to make the uniforms.

The different bands should come from different high schools across America. And … all participants in the parade should be military personnel … and, veterans.

Wide screens should be put in place all over strategic spots and provide by broadcasting companies.

Hotels in Washington … and, across America should offer the lowest rates possible for traveling military personnel (and veterans) to come together at a location, in order to watch, and celebrate their service to this country.

Airlines should offer all military personnel and veterans traveling to take part in the parade, or to be a part of a local celebration, the lowest fares possible.

Okay … that is the highlighted version. Of course, the devil is in the details. And, of course … getting support from companies and the airlines is a pipe dream … but oh … what a grand parade and day … that would be!

I do so love a parade … but … it’s a long march from an idea to reality. However, with President Trump, he has a way of making the impossible …possible. And … he so loves a parade!

Congratulations Alabama. You were heard loud and clear. And, you are getting what you asked for. But then, I know you are aware of the “be careful what you asked for” cliché. In many regards, this applies to the Alabamians who voted for Jones.

I have to ask, did any of you who voted for Jones, go to his website and see what he stands for? That alone should have stopped you.

Jones talks of morality, but he is pro-abortion. He has a problem with someone accused of sexual misconduct, but has no problem with killing a fetus for the convenience of the … “carrier.”

He supports modifying the “three strikes law” for some who “perhaps” can lead a “productive” life as an alternative to life in prison. I’m wondering how many “strikes” are needed in order to ascertain someone is a criminal who chooses not to reform?

Jones supports reform by reducing prison time … for people of color because … they make up the highest percent of individuals (within their race) in prisons. So instead of tightening laws and community outreach programs … he is going to give criminals of color (“of color” are his words) lighter sentences to get them in and out and “save tax money.” I would be more concerned about “saving lives,” but, that’s just me.

He states, “More spending on education could be less spending on prisons.” I wonder how that works? Apparently, Jones is not sure, either … since he using the speculative word … “could.”

Jones is pro-Obama Care. He believes no woman should be denied coverage of services based on the religious beliefs of her employer. What that means is … yes … an employer has to provide for abortions and birth control needs, whether this is in his/her religious beliefs or not.

He was against withdrawing from the Paris Accord. That means more regulations, stunting job growth, expensive solar panels, and ugly, small, electric cars.

But … that is only a little bit of what awaits Alabamians. Understand … those who supported Doug Jones, are not getting some guy named Doug Jones.

They have elected Barack Obama and New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker. Doug Jones is the mere puppet who will nod his head and shake hands with his constituents. That … is where it will end. It will be Obama and Booker who pull the strings that make Doug Jones dance. It will be their bills that Jones may write and co-write or support. It will be their words spoken and not the thoughts of Doug Jones.

Congratulations, Alabama … you have just elected a puppet … a shell of a man who is no more than what Obama and Booker want him to be. They own him. He doesn’t work for you. He works for them. And … have no doubt … they will remind him of that every day.

Congratulations Alabama … the trojan horse has now entered the building.

I love the community in which I live. Oak Ridge is a beautiful community, with long-time, small town appeal. That doesn’t happen by accident. It takes people, living in the area, willing to serve and protect the interests of that community. And, it takes people who share the love of this community and who get involved in the local elections/politics, to ensure those candidates who best serve our community are elected.

On November 7, 2017 Oak Ridge will be electing/re-electing new members to the Oak Ridge Town Council. Let me tell you about one of those candidates. She is my neighbor, the President of the Home Owners Association … and, I believe … the perfect choice. Here’s why:

Ann Schneider is presently a Chair/member of the Historic Preservation Commission and has been since 2010. She has Developed Historic Heritage Grants and her first-ever Explore Historic Oak Ridge event was a tremendous success.

She was a spokesman on the Oak Ridge Land Use Plan Committee (2015-2016). She has been a Board member of the Merchants of Oak Ridge, member of Preservation Oak Ridge, and Oak Ridge Lions Club. As I mentioned earlier, she is currently the Twelve Oaks HOA President, and has been for the last twelve years. As a resident, I can say that there could not be a lovelier place in which to reside and I feel she most certainly has something to do with that.

Ann has also served 10 years on the PTA/PTSO boards; and twice named Volunteer of the Year. She has 25 years of strategic planning and leadership for nonprofits and 25 years of volunteer experience and service.

In all honesty, this information is already available to Oak Ridge residents. But, unless you know Ann and/or have worked with her in some capacity, there are some things about Ann of which you would not know. In my discussions with Ann, I can feel her passion about Oak Ridge and her excitement about the future of Oak Ridge. Ann has all the necessary qualifications to be an outstanding councilwoman, but … she also has a clear-cut vision for Oak Ridge. It’s not a vision of “change” as much as it is of the preservation our historical areas and our small-town feeling, along with engaging the interests of business owners to Oak Ridge. She sets a solid course for the future of Oak Ridge by considering events that might have an adverse effect on Oak Ridge, in the future … and … putting in place options and solutions to alleviate any adversity, before it happens.

So, there you have it … my choice in November. I cannot think of a better person to serve on the Oak Ridge Town Council, than … Ann Schneider.

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Boycotts have proven to be effective in getting the results certain groups … political and social … want to obtain. The boycott targeting Great Britain in 1769 in opposition of “taxation without representation,” resulted … ultimately … in our American Independence. This is an example of the good side of boycotts … from my point of view.) There were those in out-raged opposition. But … once resolved, life went on and Great Britain is now one, if not our closest … ally.

There are ongoing boycotts against certain corporations. Target, is an example, by the American Life Association, because of Target’s stance on Mixed sex bathrooms and changing areas.

The end-results of the boycotts will appease some and anger others. Either way … boycotts can ignite awareness, can preserve social culture … and can change social culture.

I am not a fan of what I call “total boycotts.” What I mean by this is that I am not a fan of boycotting total entities for the indiscretions (in my view) of a few, within an organization. (To be clear … I do despise “hate groups” and I will, without hesitation, participate in boycotting these groups … in their entirety.”) And, I will call out anyone who does not respect our flag.

The NFL boycott is my example of an entity that I will not completely boycott. And, this … brings me to … the ugly side of boycotts. And, I will provide an example.

Boycotts can bring out the worst in people. I have watched people evolve from a commitment to boycott a team, all teams, etc. … to a “let’s get ‘em” mentality in overdrive.

In the case of Jerry Jones, who listened to the demands of his fans and public, he is still being attacked by some of the same boycotters … although, he has made it clear his team will stand and respect the flag. But, now, that is not enough. It’s “too little, too late.” “It’s about money.” (It’s always about money.) The boycott was successful …demands met … but still not enough. Is this a boycott to preserve or make change … or to destroy? Has it become a “blood sport?”

There is the “hypocritical” side of Boycotts. People are proudly proclaiming they have turned off the football channels … having never watched football, in the first place. That is not “boycotting.” These people are not counted in rating or sales, anyway.

There are people in social media who will demand that everyone connected with them participate in the NFL boycott (the organization, the teams, all individuals … even those who have shown no disrespect) or they will chastise and demean the culprits, and call them names. That is intimidation. This is another ugly side of boycotts. My example:

A realtor … let’s call him “Mike” … responded to a timeline post I made regarding the husband who lost his wife of 32 years in the Las Vegas shooting. It was a tribute to him and others. “Mike” chose this post to make a derogatory comment about the NFL which had nothing to do with the timeline. I deleted it and responded to “Mike” to let him know why I took it down. The next response was his “Disappointment” in me. He had seen my “Gooooo Panther” … comments in Facebook, called me derogatory names and accused me of “caving.” His comment was that 98% is not good enough … you must be all in … or … out.

To be clear … I have written blogs on the NFL and a response to Green Bay’s call for its fans to ‘link arms” … in which I expressed my disdain for the actions. I have called the NFL, I have left tweets for the players who disrespect the flag. And … I praise the players who have always stood and respected our Flag and Anthem. I have never said I was completely boycotting the teams. I will speak out against all who do not respect our flag.

The irony in this situation is that this realtor (broker?) is associated with one of the largest Real Estate companies in North Carolina … who has had a relationship with the Carolina Panthers for the last 11 years (according to K.M., their P.R. spokeswoman) and, have sponsored many of the Panthers events. Most recently the “Prowl the Den Contest.”

The obvious question for “Mike” would be, if you so strongly hate the NFL and will go on other people’s profiles in social media to chastise and berate them … why are you still associated with a company who has an 11-year relationship with the Carolina Panthers, and … who shows (in my opinion) no signs of stopping? I guess it’s just easier to intimidate people into doing what you think they should do. (And, of course … it’s about the money.)

As I said earlier, boycotts can be a very good thing. Boycotts can preserve culture and stop the decay of that culture. Boycotts are a part of our American fiber. I admire those who are committed to righting the wrongs they perceive. And, usually … I agree with the purpose of the boycott. And, I often get involved.

It’s the “blood-letting vendettas,” the hypocrisy, and the forceful intimidation of some that for me, at least … show the ugly side of boycotts. I have no illusions that this will ever change.

I will leave you this to ponder. I believe the players who choose to kneel and disrespect our flag, Anthem, country and soldiers should not be allowed to play … at all. This is my personal belief.

I also believe that we are at a very dangerous point in our American society when people feel they must not comment or celebrate in social media, must lower their window shades, and turn the volume down, or lie about their current activity … because … God Forbid … they are watching a T.V. program of their choosing.

Now that … is ugly.

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I’ve seen so many reactions to Jerry Jone’s latest statement, stating the players will stand or stay … in the locker room.

I think those that didn’t like Jerry Jones will still not like Jerry Jones.

Those who hate the Cowboys … will continue to hate the Cowboys.

I believe those who never liked Football, will still not watch football. Some of those are sure to say it’s a “boycott” instead of admitting they don’t like the fact that it interrupts their prime television shows. Or, maybe they just don’t like football.

Those who never stopped watching football … will continue to watch football.

Those who refused to watch players who disrespected our flag and country, but do like the game of football, are delighted that Jerry Jones has finally put his foot down … on the kneeling down. The message sent and acknowledged.

There is one group, however, I find … perplexing. This is the group who is calling on a total boycott of the NFL organization … the coaches and players who kneel … and, even the coaches and players who have never knelt and have always shown respect to the flag and our country.

I have never been a fan of an all-out, total boycott … of anything. I don’t understand why people who have always paid their respects to our flag and country should be punished because of the players … coaches … and the NFL Organization … at the Corporate level … who don’t.

But … I digress … my main frustration or … perhaps … wonder … is why people who are demanding the players (rightfully so), the coaches, et al … pay respect to our flag and country, are now … again … upset with … Jerry Jones.

He knelt with his team before the National Anthem and stood for the Anthem. But the boycotters were not satisfied. Most of his “Cowboy” fans and the general public, overall … demanded more, before they would watch a Cowboy’s game again.

So, Jerry Jones … listened to the people. He publicly made it clear that the flag and this country do supersede the players on his team. He made it clear that the players will stand during the National Anthem or they can stay in the locker room.

He did what was asked … no … demanded of him … and “lo and behold” … the same boycotters are even more upset with Jerry Jones. I’ve seen statements accusing him of only doing this for money … or that “it’s too little, too late.”

My question to the boycotters (as it relates to Jerry Jones and the Cowboys) is … what is the point? What are you trying to accomplish? Are you sending the message to those who disrespect the flag that this is unacceptable and use it as a “teaching moment” for those morons … or … are you wanting to completely and relentlessly destroy people’s lives, with no regard to the actual results … even when your demands have been met?

In this case … Jerry Jones is damned if he does and … damned if he doesn’t.

Weeks ago, I was happy for one of the members in Facebook for being honored at some event for her successes in business, her community service … her “ethics, and … being a person of character.” She had posted this, and I had no reason to doubt that it was true.

Yesterday, while browsing the news feed, I saw a post about President Trump on her timeline. I didn’t believe the headlines … but, I read the article, anyway. Low and behold … the headlines said one thing … and the actual article from The Hill said the complete opposite.

This is the perfect example of why I ask people … no … I implore … people to please read the entire article before commenting or going away with a misconception of the truth.

What really surprised me, in this case, was that it was brought to this person’s attention (giving her the benefit of the doubt and keeping her honesty intact.” She didn’t take it down, in respect for the truth. Instead … she left the post up, and said she still stands by her hateful comments. Point taken … out of sheer hate for our President … she will be complicit in the lies being pushed, thus helping to increase the divisiveness in the country.

I’ve included screen shots of the posts and comments, to back up this post. I have also the link to the article from The Hill. What were they thinking?

When you wonder how this country became so divided and can’t understand why people hate this President so much … just spend a day in Facebook. Take some time to read and check-out the articles … understand that most of what is being posted are deliberate lies to discredit our President and others. Then … take one more step … call out the fake news for what it is. Let’s stop rewarding the fake news for their … “creativity” and, start demanding that truth prevail, with a side of … real … “integrity and character.”

Green Bay fans … the NFL and the Green Bay Packers do not care about you. They care about their players. They care about money … their prestige … their ownership of their Packer fans.

They care about filling the seats, high ratings, and Championships. They do not care about the person who is the fan, nor do they care about this flag or country. (In my opinion.)

The owners and coaches care about players who have been pushed through schools and colleges, without knowing how to read a book, let alone read our U.S Constitution … and … that disrespect our soldiers, our flag and our country. The players are their precious commodity … until, they aren’t.

Aaron Rodgers is calling for Packer fans to … show up (uppermost in his mind) … and link arms in solidarity for the players (who disrespect our flag) … not… in solidarity for our flag, Anthem, country and soldiers. His plea to the public is:

“This is about equality,” (Rodgers said.) “This is about unity and love and growing together as a society, and starting a conversation around something that may be a little bit uncomfortable for people. But we’ve got to come together and talk about these things and grow as a community, as a connected group of individuals in our society, and we’re going to continue to show love and unity.” (excerpt from USA Today)

My response to Aaron Rodgers (I was a huge fan, at one time) is … that our flag is about unity, love and our solidarity … as a country. How small Rodger’s request is, in comparison.

To be clear … this is my opinion. Instead of kneeling outside the door on the Green Bay locker room, I will express here, in my blog.

I will not be watching the game tonight. In my opinion, this “plea for solidarity,” is simply a ploy to get people in their stadium seats … and, in front of the cameras; and, to get their failing ratings back up. I am not going to participate in that.

The Green Bay Packers … to my knowledge, at this writing … are the only publicly owned football team. That means there is a high percentage of the Green Bay Packer fans who own stock in the Packer’s team.

It is my hope … given the blatant disrespect of this team … that the stock-owning fans will not show up tonight.

Charlotte, NC: Before the start of last Sunday’s football game … all the Carolina Panthers stood, with their coaches, for our National Anthem and to honor our flag. All except, # 90, Julius Peppers. He decided to stay in the locker room. Peppers said he didn’t discuss his decision with teammates beforehand, so they wouldn’t feel they had to join him. In other words, he would not be a part of the team in its decision to stand, nor honor our National Anthem and our flag.

Coach Rivera did not publicly appear upset about Peppers decision, nor did he publicly ridicule him. I don’t know what was said in the locker room, after the game. Certainly, not enough (if anything at all) to make Peppers feel uncomfortable and to regret his decision to not “stand” with his team.

In fact, Julius Peppers’ later statement was “The protest wasn’t about the flag, or the military, or the anthem, but directly about President Trump’s remarks.” The honest, earthy, passionate comments by our President about those players who disrespect the flag … were enough to make Julius Pepper … in my opinion … disrespect the Anthem and our flag.

And … that was the end … of that.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: The Pittsburgh Steelers played the Bears, last Sunday, in Chicago. The team and the coaches stayed in the locker room during the National Anthem. Again, in my opinion, a showing of disrespect … or … at the very least … cowardice to stand up for our Anthem, flag, and country.

All the team, except … for one lone player … # 78, Alejandro Villanueva, an Army veteran who served three tours of duty in Afghanistan. Villanueva came out of the locker room and stood proudly. He was cheered. It was a proud moment. But that “proud moment” did not last long.

Villanueva was lambasted and ridiculed by Coach Tomlin and the rest of his team, directly after the game …for honoring the National Anthem … and the country, for which he had fought, in three tours of duty.

Hours later, Alejandro Villanueva …apologized … for taking it upon himself to honor the flag and country for which he served. In my opinion … I believe his safety … and his job … had something to do with his disappointment in with himself … for not … “sitting” with his team.

In Charlotte, one player is met with “compassion, tolerance, and understanding,” by his coach and players … for not joining his team in honoring our National Anthem, flag, and country.

In Pittsburgh, one player is lambasted, ridiculed and called-out by his coach and team … for standing up and respecting our National Anthem, flag, and our country.

This isn’t just a “tale of two cities.” This is a “tale of a country in distress.”

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Debbie Barth is also the author of "The Promise Book; Tell Someone" This book is the key to the vehicle helping parents talk with their children about child predators in a very simplistic manner that does not confuse, or scare the children.